Obituary of Alexander Michael TOPOLA

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alex Topola, who passed away peacefully on March 31, 2013, at the Assiniboia Union Hospital. Alex was predeceased by his parents Michael and Dominica (nee Obah) Topola; infant son Allen; brother Casey (Irene) Topola. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Dori; sons Michael (Leslie), Stephen, Vince (Lianne), Dan; daughter Helen (Brian); great grandchildren Erika (Mike), Kelsey (Kevin), Kendra (Sean), Dorelle (Brett), Sheldon (Melody) and Auburn; great grandchildren Jake and Cohen; brother-in-law Harry (Lila); numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was the first born on the family farm at Lakenheath on March 21, 1922, to Mike and Dominica Topola. Alex attended Lakenheath School until he began working on the family farm. He farmed in the Lakenheath area until moving to Assiniboia in 1980. Alex married Dora Panasuik in 1951 and started a family shortly after, raising four sons and a daughter. He was involved with the Wheat Pool, Co-op and school boards in Lakenheath and Limerick, as well as the Lakenheath Community Hall, which held many functions. After retiring, Alex remained involved with the farm activities for several years; he was always interested in the many changes happening there. Alex often ran for parts and repairs, and drove truck at harvest. He took great pride in keeping everything in working order, fixing small toys, bicycles and garden equipment, for neighbouring children, friends and family. He had a passion for gardening and woodwork, and shared the fruits of his labour with friends and family. Alex loved garage sales and bought many items for his grandchildren, tools for his garage and farm, and even sewing items for his wife Dori. He always found the best deal. Alex played the fiddle his entire life, loved music, and in later years played with the "Old Tyme Fiddlers" at the hospital and nursing home. He loved living in Assiniboia, especially on his street with good friends and neighbours. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at St. George Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK, with Father Joy Montiague celebrant. Communion minister was Leon Hartman. Lighting of the paschal candle by Lianne and Vince Topola. Reader was Annabelle Hartman. Prayers of the faithful were shared by Dorelle and Brett Gerich. Offertory gifts were presented by Kendra Topola and Melody Seaman. Music was shared by Carol Marit and Yvette Fauchon. The eulogist was Marc Topola. Pallbearers were Sheldon Topola, Auburn Kuyek, Casey Topola, Chris Topola, Doug Willis and Don Kachuik. Interment took place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Alex to the South Country Health Care Foundation for the Assiniboia Union Hospital, Box 1750, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0, were greatly appreciated.